Our nation's perpetual preoccupation with the elements is heightened in coastal towns where we stare incoming weather systems in the face. And for those that make their living on the sea, the art of gauging the forces of nature is an obsession born of a vital need rather than idle curiosity.
Today, we look to modern technology for our weather predications, and weathervanes are little more than an attractive flourish to tower, turret and spire, but they do serve to remind us of how nature's wild ways have, and always will be, a force to be reckoned with, here at the ocean's brink.
Two notable weathervanes proudly crown Newlyn's principal buildings: the beautifully detailed galleon atop the Fishermen's Mission and the golden cockerel of St Peter's church.
Words © Dee and Gerard Ivall. Images © Nik Strangelove
From the number of properties in this architectural vein around town, it's clear that the 1930s was a boom period for Penzance. The concept of the Cornish Riviera was being bought into by holiday makers, and the popularity, and consequently the population, of the town swelled. Penzance's heyday was in full swing, and we can still feel a sense of this past greatness when we gaze upon these lasting memorials to a golden era.
It is a distinctive period in architecture, but styles did vary considerably: in these two examples we can see the lingering influence of the Arts & Crafts movement and the new Art Deco style.
In
addition to the many private houses, several local public buildings and amenities were
constructed during this dynamic decade, including the marvellous Jubilee Bathing Pool – a more powerful statement of a British town expressing a positive sense of identity would be hard to find.
Words © Dee and and Gerard Ivall. Images © Nik Strangelove
We've
often noticed that the best examples of architecture are found when we
lift our eyes from the pavement or stick our heads around corners. Our
area has a wealth of fine buildings from every era, waiting to be
discovered if we would just look. As a celebration of our built legacy, we've set out to document the pick of the crop. Here, to
start things off, is a triptych of architectural studies in white, showing off
various decorative styles.
Words © Dee and and Gerard Ivall.
Images © Nik Strangelove
